Fire threat to historic Orkney forest

A MAJOR fire which threatened an important island forest was brought under control yesterday.

The blaze on the Orkney island of Hoy started on Sunday and there were fears that it could spread to the historic Berriedale Woods.

The area encompasses the most northerly piece of remnant native woodland in the British Isles.

A helicopter was brought in to waterbomb the fire from the air and firefighters were helped by islanders and RSPB volunteers.

The blaze was finally extinguished yesterday afternoon, before it could reach the forest.